The second leg of the Copa Libertadores First Phase brings an exciting clash between Deportivo Táchira and The Strongest. After the Bolivian side’s 2-1 victory in La Paz, the tie remains open as the Venezuelan team prepares to host the decisive encounter at the Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo. The hosts will need to overturn the deficit to keep their continental hopes alive, while the visitors aim to defend their narrow advantage and progress to the next round. Both teams come into this match with contrasting recent results, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable evening of football.

Deportivo Táchira’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Deportivo Táchira arrive at this crucial home fixture under pressure after suffering two consecutive defeats, including a 1-0 loss to Portuguesa in their domestic league on February 6, 2026. Their recent form shows inconsistency, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in their last five matches, averaging 1.2 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per game. In the Copa Libertadores, their campaign started with a 2-1 defeat in the first leg, leaving them with no margin for error in the return match.

The Venezuelan side’s record in the competition is concerning: they have lost their last nine matches in the Copa Libertadores and have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 14 appearances. Moreover, they have rarely settled for draws, with only two in their last 27 games in the tournament. Despite these numbers, playing at home could offer a psychological boost, as they have managed to win three of their last seven home fixtures across all competitions. To advance, they must rediscover their attacking rhythm and tighten their defense, which has been their main weakness in continental play.

The Strongest’s Recent Form and Key Stats

The Strongest travel to Venezuela with a slight advantage after their 2-1 home win in the first leg. Their recent performances show a team capable of scoring consistently, with 3 wins and 2 defeats in their last five matches, averaging 2.2 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game. In the Copa Libertadores, they have started strongly with one win, scoring twice and conceding once. However, their away record in this competition remains a major concern: they have not won in their last 17 away matches in the Libertadores, often struggling to maintain their level outside Bolivia.

Despite their difficulties on the road, The Strongest are known for their attacking consistency. They have scored at least one goal in 28 of their last 29 matches, and over 1.5 total goals have been recorded in 37 of their last 39 games. Their matches tend to be open and entertaining, with goals frequently arriving early — over 0.5 goals have been scored in the first half in 33 of their last 35 fixtures. Still, their defensive lapses away from home could make this second leg more complicated than expected, especially against a Táchira side desperate to respond in front of their fans.

Deportivo Táchira vs The Strongest Analysis and Prediction

This second leg promises to be a thrilling and high-intensity contest. Deportivo Táchira will look to capitalize on home advantage to overturn the deficit, while The Strongest will aim to manage the game and exploit counterattacking opportunities. The first leg showed that both teams are capable of finding the net, and their recent statistics reinforce the likelihood of another goal-filled encounter. Táchira’s defensive fragility and The Strongest’s attacking consistency suggest that both sides could score again.

Historically, the Venezuelan club has struggled in this competition, but the narrow margin from the first leg keeps their hopes alive. The Bolivian side, meanwhile, must overcome their poor away record in the Libertadores to secure qualification. Given the offensive trends of both teams and their defensive vulnerabilities, the match could once again deliver goals on both ends of the pitch.

Deportivo Táchira vs The Strongest prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 56% probability.